Scald injuries can happen at any age, but children, older adults and people with disabilities are especially vulnerable. Hot bath water, steaming hot coffee or even microwaved soups can cause serious and disfiguring injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association, scald burns are the second leading cause of burn injuries.Here are some tips from the NFPA to prevent scald injuries:
- Teach children that hot things can burn.
- Install anti-scald devices on tub faucets and shower heads.
- Before getting into a bath or placing a child in a bath, test the water by moving your hand, wrist and forearm through the water. It should feel warm, not hot.
- Have a ìkid-free zoneî of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared.
- Open microwaved food slowly, away from the face.
- Never hold a child while cooking, drinking a hot liquid or carrying hot foods or liquids.
